Utilization of solar power in the Sri Lanka Navy
Following a visionary concept of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne, the Navy’s Research and Development Unit had launched yet another innovative programme in the Sri Lanka Navy. In collaboration with the new community based power generation project of the government, 'Soorya Bala Sangramaya' (Battle for Solar Energy), and joining hands with the latest technological advancements, the Navy had successfully produced solar powered electric lamps for its use.
The navy found it practically difficult to provide electricity for its Coastal Observation Points over the years. However with the latest solar powered development of the Navy’s Research and Development Unit, it will be able to empower a range of equipment such as, electric lamps, communication equipment, mobile phone batteries etc.
Moreover the Navy’s Research and Development Unit had also developed solar powered Reverse Osmosis plants in view of preventing Chronic Interstitial Nephritis among the general public. The solar powered Reverse Osmosis plants provide ample opportunities to provide safe drinking water free of charge, as the initiative is launched in areas where solar energy is received in abundance. Being a tropical country, Sri Lanka is mostly blessed with uninterrupted solar energy throughout the year. Therefore, the Navy had launched a timely programme, making sure that energy is optimally used for the benefit of the Navy and nation in general. Accordingly, under close supervision of Commander of the Navy, the Sri Lanka Navy had initiated a programme at its naval premises to provide electricity to the national grid through Net Metering System.
In each of its developments, the Navy’s Research and Development Unit is determined to promote cost effective initiatives focusing on the efficiency and effectiveness of the Navy and nation in general.